What Is Cashmere Fabric? Properties, How It’s Made & Where It Comes From

Cashmere is one of the most admired luxury fibers in the fashion world. It is known for its exceptional softness, lightweight warmth, and premium feel. From high-end sweaters to refined accessories, cashmere fabric is often associated with quality, comfort, and timeless style. Globally, the fashion luxury cashmere clothing market was valued at around $137.33 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow further in 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand for premium textiles like cashmere. But beyond its market value lies the real appeal: unmatched softness, lightweight warmth, and a refined texture that elevates any garment.

Understanding what cashmere fabric is helps fashion startups, boutique owners, and apparel brands make smarter decisions about sourcing and design.

In this guide, we explain cashmere’s origins, key properties, production process, sustainability considerations, and practical uses — with insights tailored to the US fashion market. It is written for fashion brands, designers, sourcing managers, students, and shoppers in the USA who want a clear and practical understanding of cashmere material.

What Is Cashmere Fabric?

Cashmere fabric is made from the fine undercoat fiber of cashmere goats. This soft down layer grows beneath the goat’s outer hair and helps protect it from extreme cold climates.

What makes cashmere different from wool?

While both cashmere and wool come from animal fibers, they are quite different in feel and performance.

• Cashmere fibers are much finer than sheep wool
• The average cashmere fiber measures around 14–19 microns, making it noticeably softer
• It feels smoother on the skin and causes less irritation

Because cashmere goats produce a limited amount of usable fiber each year, cashmere material is rare. This limited supply is one of the main reasons why cashmere is expensive compared to regular wool.

Cashmere is also:

• Lighter in weight
• Warmer than traditional wool
• More refined in appearance

These qualities make it highly desirable for luxury and premium apparel collections in the US market.

Key Properties of Cashmere Fabric

Understanding cashmere properties is essential for brands and designers when evaluating whether this luxury fiber fits their product strategy. Cashmere is valued not only for its premium image but also for its functional performance, comfort, and refined appearance. These qualities directly influence garment pricing, customer satisfaction, and long-term wearability.

Because cashmere fibers are naturally fine and lightweight, they create fabrics that feel soft without being bulky. This makes cashmere material especially suitable for premium apparel collections in the US market, where comfort, versatility, and quality are key buying factors.

Characteristics of Cashmere

These characteristics of cashmere make it ideal for garments worn close to the skin, such as sweaters, pullovers, scarves, and wraps. For brands focused on premium comfort and long-lasting quality, cashmere fabric delivers a balance of softness, warmth, and visual refinement that few other natural fibers can match.

How Cashmere Fabric Is Made: Step-by-Step Process

Many people ask, how is cashmere made and why the process is so specialized. The answer lies in careful harvesting and skilled processing.

Step 1: Combing or Shearing the Goats

Cashmere goats naturally shed their soft undercoat during spring molting season.

• Fiber is collected through gentle combing or controlled shearing
• Combing is preferred because it preserves fiber length and quality
• Each goat produces only a small amount of usable cashmere per year

This limited yield directly affects pricing and availability.

Step 2: Sorting & Dehairing

Once collected, the raw fiber is cleaned and sorted.

• Coarse outer hairs (guard hairs) are removed
• Fibers are graded by fineness, length, and color
• Only the softest fibers move forward

This step plays a major role in determining the final quality grade.

Step 3: Spinning the Fiber

After dehairing, fibers are spun into yarn.

• Hand-spun yarn offers a more artisanal texture
• Industrial spinning ensures consistency for bulk production
• Yarn thickness depends on the intended garment

This stage defines how smooth and strong the final yarn will be.

Step 4: Weaving or Knitting

Cashmere yarn is transformed into fabric.

• Knitted cashmere is used for sweaters, cardigans, and accessories
• Woven cashmere is used for coats, shawls, and suiting fabrics

Knit density and stitch quality affect warmth, drape, and durability.

Step 5: Dyeing & Finishing

The final step improves softness and appearance.

• Eco-conscious dyeing may be used for luxury brands
• Fabric undergoes washing, softening, and quality checks
• Finishing enhances hand feel and color depth

This complete process explains how cashmere is produced from raw fiber to finished fabric.

Types of Cashmere

Not all cashmere fibers offer the same level of softness, durability, or luxury. Understanding the different types of cashmere is important for buyers, designers, and apparel brands when selecting the right material for their product range. Factors such as fiber fineness, sourcing method, and blending directly affect fabric performance, pricing, and end use.

For US-based brands, choosing the right type of cashmere helps align product quality with customer expectations and retail positioning.

Cashmere Grades

Cashmere is commonly classified into grades based on fiber diameter (measured in microns). Finer fibers feel softer, insulate better, and command higher prices.

• Grade A cashmere is the most desirable and is typically used by luxury brands. It offers a smooth feeling, minimal irritation, and excellent warmth.
• Grade B cashmere balances softness and cost, making it suitable for mid-range apparel lines.
• Grade C cashmere is thicker and less refined, often chosen for budget-conscious products where price matters more than softness.

Understanding this cashmere grading system helps brands maintain consistency and quality across collections.

Other Common Types of Cashmere

Beyond grading, cashmere is also categorized by how it is sourced or processed.

• Virgin Cashmere
  Made from newly harvested fibers, virgin cashmere offers the highest level of softness, strength, and longevity. It is preferred for premium garments where fabric quality is critical.
• Recycled Cashmere
  Produced by reprocessing pre- or post-consumer cashmere garments. While slightly less soft than virgin fibers, recycled cashmere supports sustainability goals and reduces environmental impact.
• Pashmina
  Often confused with standard cashmere, true pashmina comes from specific goat breeds found in the Himalayan region. It is finer and lighter but frequently misused as a marketing term in the fashion industry.
• Cashmere Blends
  Cashmere is commonly blended with fibers such as silk, wool, modal, or synthetic materials. Blends help reduce costs, improve durability, enhance drape, or add stretch, making them suitable for a wider range of apparel categories.

Each type of cashmere serves different price points, performance needs, and brand goals. Selecting the right option ensures the final garment meets both quality expectations and commercial requirements.

Cashmere vs Wool: What’s the Difference?

A common comparison in textile sourcing is cashmere vs wool.

Cashmere is ideal for premium garments, while wool offers durability and affordability for everyday wear.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Cashmere Fabric

Cashmere is widely regarded as a premium textile, but like any material, it comes with both benefits and limitations. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of cashmere fabric helps apparel brands, designers, and sourcing teams make informed decisions based on product goals, pricing strategy, and customer expectations.

Advantages of Cashmere Fabric

• Exceptionally soft and comfortable
  Cashmere fibers are much finer than traditional wool, giving the fabric a smooth, gentle feel against the skin. This makes it ideal for garments worn directly on the body, especially for customers who find regular wool itchy or uncomfortable.
• High insulation without bulk
  One of the most valued cashmere properties is its ability to provide excellent warmth while remaining lightweight. The fiber naturally traps heat, allowing designers to create warm garments without thick or heavy construction.
• Breathable and temperature-regulating
  Cashmere fabric adapts well to changing temperatures. It helps retain warmth in cooler conditions while remaining breathable, making it suitable for layering and multi-season wear in the US climate.
• Lightweight with elegant drape
  Due to its fine structure, cashmere drapes naturally and smoothly. This results in clean silhouettes and a refined appearance, enhancing the overall look and fit of luxury garments.
• Strong luxury appeal for branding
  Cashmere material is widely recognized as a symbol of quality and exclusivity. Using cashmere allows brands to position their products in the premium or luxury segment, supporting higher perceived value and pricing.

Disadvantages of Cashmere Fabric

• Higher cost than most fibers
  Cashmere is significantly more expensive than wool or synthetic alternatives. Limited fiber supply, labor-intensive processing, and high-quality standards contribute to its premium price.
• Requires gentle care
  Cashmere garments need careful handling, such as hand washing or dry cleaning. Improper care can lead to shrinkage, loss of softness, or damage, which may be a concern for some consumers.
• Pilling risk in lower-quality grades
  Lower-grade or loosely spun cashmere can pill over time, especially in high-friction areas. This can affect the garment’s appearance if quality standards are not maintained.
• Ethical concerns if not responsibly sourced
  Unsustainable farming practices and poor animal welfare can be issues in unregulated supply chains. Brands must ensure responsible sourcing to protect both the environment and brand reputation.

For clothing brands, success with cashmere depends on balancing performance, pricing, and ethical sourcing standards. When used thoughtfully, cashmere can deliver long-term value and strong market appeal.

Environmental & Ethical Considerations

Many buyers ask, is cashmere sustainable? The answer depends on sourcing and production practices.

Key Concerns

• Overgrazing in regions like Mongolia and China
• Land degradation caused by increased goat populations
• Poor animal welfare in unregulated supply chains

Responsible Certifications

Brands should look for:

• The Good Cashmere Standard
• Sustainable Fiber Alliance (SFA)
• Responsible wool-equivalent standards for cashmere

Choosing certified suppliers supports environmental protection and ethical treatment of animals.

Common Uses of Cashmere Fabric

Cashmere is widely used across luxury and premium apparel categories due to its softness, warmth, and refined appearance. Its lightweight nature and excellent insulation make it suitable for both cold-weather garments and transitional-season pieces. For fashion brands in the US market, cashmere offers flexibility in design while maintaining a high-end look and feel.

Knitwear

Knitwear is the most common and recognizable use of cashmere fabric. The fiber’s natural elasticity and softness make it ideal for knitted garments that prioritize comfort and elegance.

• Sweaters – Classic crewnecks, V-necks, and turtlenecks designed for everyday luxury
• Pullovers – Lightweight yet warm pieces suitable for layering
• Cardigans – Open or buttoned styles offering versatility and year-round appeal
• Wrap tops – Soft, draped designs that highlight cashmere’s natural flow and comfort

Cashmere knitwear is often positioned as a core product in premium collections due to its timeless demand.

Accessories

Cashmere accessories are highly valued for their direct contact with the skin and their ability to provide warmth without irritation.

• Scarves – Lightweight, breathable, and ideal for both fashion and function
• Shawls – Elegant layering pieces often used for formal or evening wear
• Beanies – Soft headwear that offers insulation without heaviness
• Gloves – Comfortable and warm, especially for sensitive skin

Accessories also allow brands to offer entry-level cashmere products at more accessible price points.

Luxury Apparel

Beyond knitwear and accessories, cashmere is increasingly used in structured and tailored garments.

• Coats – Woven cashmere fabrics provide warmth with a refined finish
• Dresses – Soft silhouettes that combine comfort with luxury appeal
• Suits – Cashmere or cashmere-blend suiting adds softness and sophistication

Its versatility makes cashmere suitable for both seasonal collections and timeless staples, helping brands create premium garments that retain value and relevance over time.

How to Care for Cashmere

Proper care extends the life of cashmere garments.

• Hand wash or dry clean only
• Use mild detergent
• Avoid twisting or wringing
• Lay flat to dry
• Store folded, not hung
• Use a fabric shaver to remove pills

Good care preserves softness and shape for years.

Is Cashmere the Right Choice for Your Clothing Brand?

Before choosing cashmere, brands should consider:

• Target customer expectations
• Retail price positioning
• Seasonal demand in the US market
• Sustainability goals
• Production and sourcing budget

Cashmere works best for brands focused on premium quality and long-term value.

Work With SEAM Apparel for Custom Cashmere & Wool Manufacturing

For brands exploring luxury fibers, Seam Apparel supports custom cashmere and wool production with a focus on quality and consistency. Services include knitwear manufacturing, fabric sourcing assistance, pattern development, and sampling for both small and bulk orders.

With experience in premium textiles, Seam Apparel helps fashion brands turn refined material choices into well-executed products that meet US market expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cashmere fabric made from?
   Cashmere fabric is made from the fine undercoat fibers of cashmere goats. These soft fibers grow beneath the goat’s outer hair and are collected during the natural molting season, then cleaned, sorted, and spun into yarn.
2. Why is cashmere more expensive than wool?
   Cashmere is more expensive because each goat produces an extremely limited amount of usable fiber per year. The harvesting and processing are labor-intensive, and high-quality cashmere requires careful sorting and finishing, all of which increase costs.
3. Is cashmere fabric suitable for sensitive skin?
   Yes, cashmere is considered skin-friendly due to its fine fibers and low lanolin content. Compared to traditional wool, it causes less itching and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
4. Does cashmere last a long time?
   High-quality cashmere can last for many years if properly cared for. Gentle washing, correct storage, and avoiding excessive friction help maintain softness, shape, and durability.
5. Is cashmere sustainable?
   Cashmere can be sustainable when sourced responsibly. Choosing certified suppliers and recycled cashmere helps reduce environmental impact and supports ethical animal welfare practices.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what cashmere fabric is helps designers, brands, and buyers make smarter sourcing decisions. From its origins and production to its properties and sustainability considerations, cashmere remains one of the most valued luxury fibers in modern apparel. When used responsibly, it delivers unmatched comfort, warmth, and elegance.